2. 18th Century

1709

The first new collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays since the
Folios, edited by the dramatist Nicholas Rowe, published. The 6-volume
set is in octavo, and includes engraved illustrations which draw on contemporary
stage practices.

Frontispiece
to 'The Tempest'. The Works of Mr. William
Shakespeare, revised and corrected by N.
Rowe, 1709. British Library, 81.g.16. Larger
image

Sir William Davenant granted a warrant to act several of Shakespeare’s
plays. Davenant is also granted a Patent for an acting company, known as the
Duke ’s Company. He claimed to be Shakespeare’s godson.

1765

A wholly new collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, edited by the
lexicographer Dr. Samuel Johnson, published. Johnson recognised the importance
of the First Folio as a source near to Shakespeare himself. His 8-volume set
is in octavo.

1769

The actor David Garrick organises a Shakespeare Jubilee, an entertainment
held in Stratford-upon-Avon, to celebrate the life and works of the great
dramatist. The entertainment is repeated at the Drury Lane Theatre with great
success.

1776

David Garrick, a great Hamlet, made his own adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
His last appearance in the role was at Drury Lane in 1776.

David Garrick as Hamlet. Dramatic
Characters, or Different Portraits of the English Stage, 1773. British
Library, 11795.ee.41, unnumbered plate. Larger
image

1783

John Philip Kemble makes his London debut at the Drury Lane Theatre in the
title-role of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Kemble took leading roles
in many of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as adapting several of them.

1790

A new collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, edited by the scholar
Edmond Malone, published. Malone recognised the importance of the quarto texts
which preceded the First Folio. His 10-volume set is in octavo.